Chia Rosé

Name: Chia Rosé
Prep time: 15 min
Yield: About 1 liter (5-6 servings)
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Work Lemon balm contains rosmarinic acid, which naturally supports GABA signaling in the brain to help calm nervous tension and relieve occasional stress. It’s one of the most well-researched calming herbs with a 2,000-year history of traditional use. Hibiscus is rich in anthocyanins — the same plant pigments responsible for its deep blush color — and has traditionally been used to support circulation and overall vitality. It adds a bright, tart note that balances the floral sweetness of the rose. Rose hips are a natural source of vitamin C and have traditionally been used to support immune function and reduce inflammation. They bring gentle tartness and depth to the tea base without overpowering the florals. Frequently Asked Questions Can I use rose water instead of dried rose petals?Yes — use about ¼ tsp and add it after straining, not during steeping. Dried petals give a more subtle, natural floral note, but rose water works as a quick substitute. Can I substitute the lemon balm?Yes — as long as you keep the rose petals and hibiscus for the color and floral notes, you can swap the lemon balm for another light, delicate herb. We suggest damiana or linden leaf as good alternatives. How do I keep the chia seeds from clumping?It's best to hydrate the chia seeds in room temperature water, whisking vigorously at the start and stirring twice during hydration keeps them evenly dispersed and prevents a clumped gel from forming. Can I use black chia seeds instead? Yes — black and white chia seeds taste and work the same way. The white seeds just make a more elegant presentation in a blush-pink drink, so we recommend them here if you have the choice. Can I make it sweeter?Absolutely. Add more honey to taste after straining — or swap for maple syrup or agave for a different flavor profile. Important Considerations; Pregnant or nursing? Lemon balm is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Check with your healthcare provider.; Taking thyroid medication? Lemon balm may affect thyroid hormone levels. Consult your healthcare provider before using regularly.

Non-Alcoholic Batch Drink with Lemon Balm, Rose Petals & Chia Seeds

Liven up any brunch with this blush-pink batch drink brewed with lemon balm, rose petals, and hibiscus, then finished with white chia seeds for a beautiful, glimmering presentation. Inspired by Sharbat-e Tokhme Sharbati — a traditional Persian chilled seed drink — our version uses lemon balm to support relaxation and dried rose petals in place of store-bought rose water. It’s lightly sweet, very refreshing, and surprisingly satiating — which comes in handy at brunch when you’re trying to hold back on the second pain-au-chocolat.

Yield: About 1 liter (5-6 servings)

Prep: 15 min active + 2+ hours chill time

Best for: Relaxation, brunch or dinner parties

Ingredients

Brew:

5 tsp dried lemon balm
1 tbsp dried rose petals
2 tsp dried rose hips
½ tsp dried hibiscus
750 ml water (190°F / 88°C)

Chia:

1 tbsp white chia seeds
250 ml room-temperature water

Finish:

½ tsp honey (or to taste)
Juice of ½ lime (optional)

Preparation

Hydrate the chia. Add chia seeds to 250 ml room-temperature water and whisk vigorously. Cover and refrigerate. Stir once after 10 minutes and again after 30 to prevent clumping.
Steep the herbs. While the chia is hydrating, steep all Brew ingredients in 750 ml of 190°F water for 8–10 minutes.
Assemble. Strain the tea into a 1-liter glass bottle. Add honey, lime juice, and the chia water mixture. Stir well, seal, and chill for at least 2 hours.

How to Serve

Glass bottle or pitcher: Stir well and serve communally — keep a long spoon nearby for guests to mix before pouring.
Wine glass or flute: Shake or stir bottle before each pour to evenly distribute the chia seeds.

Storage

Refrigerated: Chill for a minimum of 2 hours, or prepare up to 12 hours ahead. Best consumed within 2 days. The chia seeds will continue to absorb liquid over time, thickening the mixture slightly.

Why These Ingredients Work

Lemon balm contains rosmarinic acid, which naturally supports GABA signaling in the brain to help calm nervous tension and relieve occasional stress. It’s one of the most well-researched calming herbs with a 2,000-year history of traditional use.

Hibiscus is rich in anthocyanins — the same plant pigments responsible for its deep blush color — and has traditionally been used to support circulation and overall vitality. It adds a bright, tart note that balances the floral sweetness of the rose.

Rose hips are a natural source of vitamin C and have traditionally been used to support immune function and reduce inflammation. They bring gentle tartness and depth to the tea base without overpowering the florals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use rose water instead of dried rose petals?
Yes — use about ¼ tsp and add it after straining, not during steeping. Dried petals give a more subtle, natural floral note, but rose water works as a quick substitute.

Can I substitute the lemon balm?
Yes — as long as you keep the rose petals and hibiscus for the color and floral notes, you can swap the lemon balm for another light, delicate herb. We suggest damiana or linden leaf as good alternatives.

How do I keep the chia seeds from clumping?
It's best to hydrate the chia seeds in room temperature water, whisking vigorously at the start and stirring twice during hydration keeps them evenly dispersed and prevents a clumped gel from forming.

Can I use black chia seeds instead?
Yes — black and white chia seeds taste and work the same way. The white seeds just make a more elegant presentation in a blush-pink drink, so we recommend them here if you have the choice.

Can I make it sweeter?
Absolutely. Add more honey to taste after straining — or swap for maple syrup or agave for a different flavor profile.

Important Considerations

Pregnant or nursing? Lemon balm is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Check with your healthcare provider.
Taking thyroid medication? Lemon balm may affect thyroid hormone levels. Consult your healthcare provider before using regularly.

Where to Buy

Dried herbs: Culinary Teas carries all the herbs in this recipe, plus a wide selection of ready-made blends.

Bottle: The Hario glass bottle is ideal for this — beautiful for presentation, easy to shake and pour, and overall an excellent option for cold steeping your tea blends.